Moving On Up

WHEN THREE FAMILIES partnered to construct an apartment building on a two-block plot of land that they own in the heart of charming downtown Ho-Ho-Kus, they knew it had to be something special.

After all, Ho-Ho-Kus is not accustomed to multi-story buildings and has not had a development like the one envisioned, well, ever, says Jake Feldman, principal of his family’s three-generation company Vertical Realty Capital. They teamed up with longtime owners of the property (and good friends), the Levine and Mechanic

families to complete the project.

“Ho-Ho-Kus is an affluent, nice, high-end community and people take pride in the town itself and how things are,” Feldman says. “We couldn’t just put up a run-of-the-mill, merchant-built, cheap product. Based on the clientele and the demand, we were ready to go all out, and folks are very happy. And the demand has been very, very strong.”

TIMELESS ELEGANCE AND MODERN CONVENIENCE

Step inside the completed 619 North, and you’re met with a blend of what the developers call “timeless elegance and modern convenience,” from the classic black and white-checked ceramic floors in the entryway and custom woodworking throughout, to a screen in the stunning lobby that displays the nearby train station schedule for commuters, or the ETA of a resident’s UBER ride.

Amenities on the ground floor include a state-of-the-art fitness center and an all-sport simulator, where residents can practice their golf swing, or invite friends or kids/grandkids to throw a football or kick the soccer ball on a rainy day, Feldman says.

A covered parking garage is fit with EV charging stations, and residents also have access to secure bike storage and storage units, along with a pet spa to wash up their pup’s paws before entering the building.

If anything, Feldman says the building is over-amenitized for the number of units.

“We really want people to feel comfortable and create a sense of community,” he says. “People really consider this their home—it’s not a stop. We have a lot of residents that have lived in town for decades and are downsizing now that they’re empty-nesters, and they plan to be here indefinitely.”

On the top level is a stunning common area that includes a TV, library and kitchen with a coffee center. There’s also a co-working room that has a Zoom TV and Zoom rooms, so those that want to work outside of their units have a comfortable and functional space to do so.

Outside on the roof deck, you’re met with grills, fire tables and seating under umbrellas, where residents can take in a view of the Ho-Ho-Kus Brook.

“We really wanted to create a sense of community,” Feldman says.

ATTENTION TO DETAIL

619 North sits on the site where Granny’s Attic, a gym and other offices used to be. The redevelopment of the nearly 2-acre parcel was approved by the town as part of its 2016 settlement with the Fair Share Housing Center, which mandates that a portion of units are affordable.

Of the 67 one- and two-bedroom rental units, 15%, or 10, are slated as affordable housing. Rents for market value units range from mid-$4,000 for a two-bedroom up to about $6,000 for top floor units that include large personal outdoor patios.

Feldman described the building as 3.5 stories because the top floor is less than half the area of the floors below, with only eight units that are set back and not visible from the street. The building also includes 3,500 feet of commercial space on its ground floor, likely offices, which have yet to be determined.

Feldman says many residents who have moved in so far are downsizers.

Apartments are either one- or two-bedrooms, and some feature a den. Layouts are spacious, with lots of natural light from large windows. The units have custom closets, in-home laundry and heated floors in the master bathrooms.

The kitchens feature white quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, a mosaic tile backsplash and custom cabinetry.

“We wanted people to be able to downsize appropriately,” Feldman says. “This is a big transition for a lot of people. We paid a lot of attention to detail with the designs and finishes— we wanted it to be unique.”

A BOON FOR BUSINESSES

Mayor Tom Randall says the building is a “tremendous asset” to Ho-Ho-Kus and will create synergy with the downtown, without overburdening parking or creating a tax burden, since the one- and two-bedroom units likely won’t include many children joining the school district.

“I have to say, I think it turned out even better than I thought it would,” Randall says. “We went through a few iterations in style, and the final product is very attractive and will certainly be a nice addition to our downtown.”

LOCAL BUSINESS OWNERS AGREE

Joe Parisi, owner of Domenic & Pietro’s Barber Studio, directly across the street from 619 North, says he’s watched the building go up and is pleased with how it turned out.

“The building looks great; it conforms with the other newer building next-door, and I love that it will bring new business to all our shops in town,” he says.

Brent Cestone, owner of Graze Brunch Kitchen, agrees. His restaurant is just a stone’s throw from 619 North in a strip that also includes St. Eve’s, Uncorked Wine & Spirits, Frank’s Tailoring and The Hair Designers.

“I’m loving it,” he says. “I haven’t noticed any additional traffic, and it will definitely give a boost to all the local businesses. I’ve met many of the new tenants already—they’re wonderful people.”

Lori Iannone, owner of Alt Eats Café, says she’s ecstatic about the new building and residents.

“It’s a beautiful building,” she says. “The apartments are gorgeous, and the amenities are top notch. What a great place to live. You can walk to anything you could possibly need, from doctors and dentists to the hair salon and great restaurants and beyond.”

As of this writing, availability at 619 North is very limited, with only a few apartments unclaimed, according to Fox & Stokes, the prime leasing team for the building.

For more information, visit 619north.com or the property’s Instagram page, @619north.

BY SARAH NOLAN